From This Episode:

Retinoids refer to prescription-strength ingredients like tretinoin or tazarotene. These have 25 years of scientific evidence to support their effects. Retinol is the gentler “cousin” of retinoids, and this is what is found in over-the-counter products. These are not as strong and therefore don’t deliver the results of a prescription-strength cream, but they also have scientific evidence to show they work.

Retinoids are still the most highly recommended by dermatologists since it’s the only ingredient proven without a doubt to improve the cellular function of aged and photodamaged skin. It helps to improve skin texture, wrinkles, and diminish brown spots. Overall, it gives the skin a healthy glow. In my office, when I see a new patient in consultation, I can always tell if they’ve been using retinoid for years; their skin has a certain luminosity that only comes from the long-term use of a retinoid.

Retinoids work on a molecular level because skin cells contain retinoid receptors that help regulate certain functions. With age and sun damage, these functions deteriorate. The regular use of a retinoid helps to normalize these functions. Retinoids improve skin texture and reduce dark spots by speeding up skin cell turnover that slows down as we age. They reduce blackheads and minimize pores, both of which worsen with too much sun exposure. But the most powerful effects of retinoids are on collagen, the building blocks of the skin. Retinoids have a dual effect here: They not only help to decrease the amount of collagen breakdown from sun exposure by preventing the rise of an enzyme called collagenase, but they also help to stimulate the production of new collagen.

Since retinoids are the most powerful anti-aging ingredient available, they are recommended for almost every skin type. However, they can be very irritating. Therefore, it’s best to start slowly with a non-prescription retinol containing cream.